Retail park bosses say they will not renew their contract with a car park operator following a dispute over parking fines.

Eastgate Retail Park letting agents Aston Rose said they were unable to reach an agreement with Excel Parking and Vehicle Control Services over fine refunds and cancelling outstanding tickets.

Dozens of drivers were hit with fines after the free parking limit on the retail park was reduced from three hours to 90 minutes.

The Observer revealed in June how Aston Rose agreed to quash all tickets handed out between June 2 and July 8 and restore the original free parking limit. Last month Excel told motorists they needed to appeal the fines and delayed a decision to cancel outstanding fines. Tim Richards, of Aston Rose, said they have now opted not to renew their contract with Excel which was due to be re-signed on September 11.

He said: “Unfortunately we were unable to reach agreement and we have decided not to renew VCS’s contract, which expired on September 11.

“We would like to reiterate that Eastgate Retail Park continues to offer three hours free parking for shoppers and neither Excel nor VCS are involved with this site any longer.

“All parking fines collected by VCS belong solely to VCS and any enquiries, appeals etc regarding tickets issued prior to September 11 should be directed to VCS.”

Deputy council leader Clare Pritchard said the council is now speaking to Excel to find out how motorists issued with fines will be affected.

She said: “We’ve had lots of people getting in touch, distressed and angry after receiving parking fines on this private car park after the letting agents introduced a new car parking scheme there.